South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
1
A.2. EXPECTATIONS RELATED TO CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
A. 2.1 Levels of Wound Care Expertise
In addition to creating and/or collecting the contents of the toolkit serving as a basis for evidence-based wound care delivery across the SW LHIN, the Clinical Evaluation sub-committee deliberated over the qualifications of the individuals needed for various aspects of wound care assessment and treatment. It is recognized that not only do different members of the multi- or trans-professional team hold differing types of knowledge and skills dependent on their specialty, but that each member of the same profession will have different levels of experience, knowledge, skill (competency) and judgment. For example, some nurses will be competent to change the dressing and assess the wound, but not to take a leadership role in determining the causative instrinsic and extrinsic factors, formulating a plan of care to address these and collaborate with the various individuals needed for the multidisciplinary approach. Neither are all physiotherapists competent in adjunctive therapies, nor all physicians conversant in the care of complex wounds in an individual with a constellation of complexities with co-morbid factors and quality of life issues.
Benner (2004)i describes health care disciplines as not being merely “applied fields” due
to practices being complex, varied and undetermined. Good care requires astute clinical judgment informed by experience, scientific evidence and technological development that can be applied to the specific situation. Experiential learners are engaged, open and responsive and don’t use a “cookie-cutter” approach to wound care. Excellent wound care requires the practitioner to recognize the incremental changes in signs and symptoms, and responses to appropriate treatments in order to make good clinical decisions, regardless of the discipline.
The Knowledge Translation sub-committee has attempted to describe and quantify
levels of wound care skill acquisition and competency using the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisitionii, incorporating Benner’s definitions regarding levels of proficiency, and combining both with Orsted ‘s model for wound care (Table 1). However, skill acquisition and competency in wound care also require a very deliberate educational component. These may include Industry- produced modules that are presented as seminars or as e-learning, offerings from the Canadian Association of Wound Care, resources developed for specific assessment and decision tools, clinician-created and recorded presentations, workshops, courses that provide certificates and Master’s level university degrees. The sub-committee has incorporated formal and informal wound care education into the model in order to plan the educational programming that will be needed in order to sustain this wound care framework across the sectors regionally. It is an expectation that organizations/ agencies will have policies and procedures around competencies and scope of practice to support clinicians, beyond what this toolkit of resources offers.
The intent of this document is to create a tool that can be used to identify whether
there are gaps in knowledge, skills and expertise within agencies and organizations regarding wound care, and to match knowledge and experience with components of educational programs. Similar to the original intent of the Dreyfus modeliii, it can help to define a desired level of competence that could be integrated into performance appraisal tools, support
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
2
development of educational programs that accommodate varying learning needs and styles, sustain progress in skill development and identify individuals who are capable of mentoring others. It could also be an enabler for organizations for recruitment and retention strategies, and to determine staffing needs for wound care. It is meant to be a “Pathway to Competency in Wound Care”. Table 1: Glossary of terms used in Table 2
Term Definition
Professional Autonomy Having the authority to make decisions and the freedom to act in accordance with one's professional knowledge base. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19538554
Complex / Complexity regarding wound care
A constellation of the wound itself, co-morbid factors and Quality of Life issues
Knowledge Expertise and skills acquired by a person through experience, education, and theoretical learning.
Standard of Practice Nursing standards are expectations that contribute to public
protection. They inform nurses of their accountabilities and the public
of what to expect of nurses. Standards apply to all nurses regardless
of their role, job description or area of practice.
— College of Nurses of Ontario
Perception of Context Understands the wound as part of the whole person, and the role of the multidisciplinary team
Accountability All nurses are accountable for their own decisions and actions and for maintaining competence throughout their career— College of Nurses of Ontario
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
3
Table 2. Model of Skill Acquisition Applied to Wound Care Adapted from Dreyfusii, Benneriv and Orstedv
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
Novice- “These inexperienced nurses function at the level of instruction from nursing school. They are unable to make the leap from the classroom lecture to individual patients. Often, they apply rules learned in nursing school to all patients and are unable to discern individual patient needs. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it”. These nurses are usually new graduates, or those nurses who return to the workplace after a long absence and are re-educated in refresher programs, and have no experience in the situations in which they are expected to perform.”
Minimal, or 'textbook' knowledge without connecting it to practice. New to skin, wound and ostomy care practices. Becoming familiar with expectations
Unlikely to be satisfactory unless closely supervised. Able to collect information.
Needs close supervision or instruction. Needs assistance in sorting information, setting priorities, and making decisions.
Little or no conception of dealing with complexity. Must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of wound infection and deterioration when seeing clients independently.
Tends to see actions in isolation Staff who are new may be in the novice level for the first 4-6 weeks.
Minimal, or 'textbook' knowledge regarding wound care
-Prevention of skin breakdown
RPN/ BScN student
Acknowledgements: Italics: Dreyfus Novice-to-Expert scale - From the professional standards for conservation, Institute of Conservation (London) 2003 based
on the Dreyfus model of skill acquisitionii by [email protected] . Used with permission. Subheadings: Benner’s Definitions iv Novice-to-Expert Scale for Nursing Calibri plain font: Adapted from Orsted’sv application to wound care competencies for nursing. Used with permission. Copperplate gothic lig font: represent descriptors from the College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards, Revised 2002, used by the Knowledge Translation sub-committee with the following understanding: “This document may be reproduced in part or in whole for personal or educational use without permission, provided
that:
• Due diligence has been exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced;
• CNO is identified as the source; and
• The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in
affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, CNO.”
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
4
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
and agency policies and with the work setting.
1. Advanced Beginner “These nurses are able to translate some didactic and clinical learning principles to individual patients, but often lack the real life experiences that differentiate individual patients.”
Working knowledge of key aspects of practice Familiar with basics of skin, wound and ostomy care through education and mentoring opportunities.
Straightforward tasks likely to be completed to an acceptable standard CNO
Standards of
Practice:
ensures that
practice is
based in
theory and
evidence and
meets all
relevant
standards/
guidelines;
-assesses
/describes
the client
situation
using a
theory,
framework or
Able to achieve some steps using own judgement, but supervision needed for overall task May still need some advice and guidance in complex situations, including criteria for referrals to interdisciplinary team including Wound Care Specialist
Appreciates complex situations but only able to achieve partial resolution Is competent in taking steps to prevent skin breakdown, in recognizing signs and symptoms of infection in surgical and other wounds; understands rationale for swabs for c&s.
Sees actions as a series of Steps. Example for wound care: Follows care plan, can change the dressing, but there is limited critical thinking re: problem-solving.
SWRWCT Initial ---Wound Assessment Screen, -Braden Scale for Pressure Ulcer Risk, -Wound measurement, -Wound assessment (BWAT or Parkwood) -Outcomes Measurement tools: PUSH tool or PWAT, % reduction in wound size over time, -Signs and symptoms of wound infection, -Levine method of swab for c&s, -Principles of aseptic technique as applies to the care setting -Wound cleansing principles -Pain assessment and management
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
5
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
evidence-
based tool;
-identifies
abnormal or
unexpected
client
responses
and taking
action
appropriately
2. Competent 3. “These nurses are able to plan and care for patients on an individual basis following a plan of care or the lead of a more experienced nurse. Competent nurses
are able to provide safe care, but are not looked upon as formal or informal leaders. Their decision-making abilities usually consist of individual circumstances and rarely are they able to see how one situation affects the ‘big picture’.”
Good working and background knowledge of area of practice Comfortable providing skin, wound and ostomy care as above with additional knowledge, skills and judgment including: -Selection of the correct method of cleansing wounds depending on
Fit for purpose, though may lack refinement CNO
Standards of
Practice: as
above, plus:
recognizes
limits of
practice and
consulting
appropriately
- plans
approaches
to providing
care/service
Able to achieve most tasks using own judgement -Utilizes evidence-based wound care resources in creating treatment care plans -Development of Care Plans involving patient and family teaching and self-care Recognizes need to seek guidance from
Copes with complex situations through deliberate analysis and planning. Makes appropriate referrals to physician, Wound Care Specialist and multi-disciplinary team.
Sees actions at least partly in terms of longer-term goals. Creates care plan using critical thinking skills, sees client more holistically.
As above plus: -SWRWCT Lower leg assessment Form (NOT ABPI) -Principles of Compression bandaging -Advanced wound dressings: classifications and indications. Topical Negative Wound Therapy - Wound infection treatment -Effect of co-morbid factors on healing (healability) - Debridement
May have received academic and clinical preparation in the area of wound management from sources that may include: -CAWC Institute of Wound Management and Prevention Level 1
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
6
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
wound characteristics -Able to complete lower leg assessment (EXCLUDING Ankle Brachial Pressure Index measurement) -Competent in providing consistent and correct application of compression therapy as per agency/organizational policies, procedures and competencies -Understands the classifications of wound dressings and the indications for use; is competent in matching dressings to wound characteristics
with the
client;
- creates
plans of care
that address
client needs,
preferences,
wishes and
hopes; - uses
best-practice
guidelines to
address
client
concerns and
needs
Wound Care Resource or Wound Care Specialist based on wound assessment.
How/who/where/ when Nestle Nutritional assessment Treat the Cause (BPG’s): Understands etiology, key interventions, elements of client teaching to improve self-care: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Pilonidal Sinus Pressure Ulcer Skin Tears Surgical Open wounds Venous Ulcer, Malignant Wound, Burns, Inflammatory Ulcers, Ostomy
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
7
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
Proficient- E.g. Wound Care Resource– “The proficient nurse frequently is able to assume charge nurse duties and lead a group of nurses in clinical practice. They are frequently able to manage care of several patients without direct supervision. These nurses provide formal and informal leadership to the nursing unit, and are often the nurse that is called upon by the less experienced nurse to provide assistance.”
Depth of understanding of discipline and area of practice -Is expertly positioned with knowledge, skills and judgment to care for patients with heavily resourced, consuming wounds and mentor other nurses to increase their own knowledge and skills regarding these wounds
Fully acceptable standard achieved routinely. CNO
Standards of
Practice: as
above plus:
manages
multiple
nursing
interventions
simultaneous
ly;
evaluates/de
scribe-s the
outcomes of
specific
interventions
and modifying
the
plan/approac
h;
- identifies and
addresses
practice-
related
issues;
and
Able to take full responsibility for own work (and that of others where applicable) -Learns from experience what to expect and how to modify in response. -Uses conscious, deliberate, analytic problem solving techniques. -Supports and provides preceptorship opportunities -Can bridge the knowledge gap between the staff nurse and the expertise of the wound care specialist by providing resource,
Deals with complex situations holistically, decision-making more confident -May perform Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPIs) measurement for individuals with lower leg ulceration, in conjunction with a lower leg assessment where agency/ organizational policies, procedures and competency testing exist -RN may perform conservative sharp (instrumental) debridement of non viable tissue, including paring of corns/ callouses where agency/ organizational policies, procedures and competency
Sees overall 'picture' and how individual actions fit within it Understands skin, wound and ostomy care problems in terms of long term, flexible goals. Functions as a resource in wound care clinical practice and in educating peers. Recognizes the value of belonging to a professionally recognized wound care association which promotes the advancement of wound care
As above plus: -Conservative non-viable sharp debridement -ABPI and initiation of compression based on lower leg assessment for non-complex leg ulcers -Criteria for adjunctive therapy -Criteria for Inter-professional referral
Has received academic and clinical preparation in the area of wound management: -Educational programs such completion of the CAWC Institute of Wound Management and Prevention Levels 1- 3 or RNAO Wound Care Institute or - RPNs who have taken the IIWCC. RNs who have taken the IIWCC without any element of clinical mentorship or
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
8
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
integrates
research
findings into
professional
service and
practice.
coaching and consultative support to other Health Care Professionals
testing exist
practice, education, research and management.
preceptorship such as through the RNAO Advanced Practice Clinical Fellowship (APCF), or the CAET Chronic Wound Care Education for R.Ns and RPNs/LPNs in the “Knowledge to Practice” Competency Builder Programs.
Expert- “The expert performs their duties without thinking; they react automatically to situations and are often ‘thinking ahead’ during a situation. They frequently are formal leaders and are called upon to provide clinical expertise to other staff members. Many times experts are able to function seemingly ‘without thinking’ as their abilities seen to others to come as second nature.”
Authoritative knowledge of discipline and deep tacit understanding across area of practice -Is expertly positioned with
Excellence achieved with relative ease CNO
Standards of
Practice: as
above plus:
Analyzes and
applies a wide
Able to take responsibility for going beyond existing standards and creating own interpretations -Consultation in wound
Holistic grasp of complex situations, moves between intuitive and analytical approaches with ease Learns to recognize subtle physiologic
Sees overall 'picture' and alternative approaches; vision of what may be possible -Has a holistic approach to the
As above plus: -ABPI and initiation of compression based on lower leg assessment for complex and leg ulcers. Enterostomal Therapists have a comprehensive list of competencies that were
The WCS is an RN who has received academic and clinical preparation in the area of wound management
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
9
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
knowledge, skills and judgment to care for patients with heavily resourced, consuming wounds, and mentor other health care professionals to increase their own knowledge and skills regarding wounds. Supports quality health care through teaching, mentoring, program development and quality monitoring -Must be familiar with the research process, and may have conducted research in the area of wound management, -May have authored in peer reviewed, high impact
range of
information
using a
variety of
frameworks
or
theories that
result in a
global
approach and
creative
solutions;
-anticipates
and prepares
for possible
outcomes
by analyzing
all
influences;
-identifies a
full range of
options based
on a
depth and
breadth of
knowledge;
-creates
comprehensiv
e and creative
plans of care
that reflect
the
management -Initiation and participation in product evaluation of new ostomy and wound care products -Seeking of opportunities to participate in approved clinical research studies -Develop/utilize best-practice protocols and care maps as a member of the multidisciplinary team - Recognizes the team is an integral part of their own effectiveness, and has the ability to orchestrate collaboration of care among team members
changes. This Expert HCP’s competencies and skills include all in the previous levels, plus: -Assessment of etiological and external factors, wound status and nutritional status (to include Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) measurement for individual with lower leg ulceration, Sensorimotor for individuals with Diabetic Neurotropic foot ulcers, causative factors of pressure ulcers, and inflammatory ulcers) -Recommendation of interventions to correct etiologic and external factors, utilizing evidence-based research and review of the
“whole person” assessment and care planning and role of multidisciplinary team. Promotes excellence in care by exercising evidence-based and innovative best practice.
Facilitates the appropriate and efficient use of human and health care product resources.
developed as part of the Canadian Nurses Association Certification process, based on the core curriculum of the ET educational program. These include: Skin integrity, wound principles, wound types, ostomies, fistulas, tubes, incontinence, assessment management, fistulas, percutaneous tubes and drains, and continence. There is now an ETN Certification exam through the C.N.A. which is optional. The Master’s level programs offer various educational curriculum: -The UWO MClS Wound Healing program is designed to provide a graduate level, inter-professional program on the development of specialized clinical skills and research methodology needed to assess and treat people with chronic
from a recognized educational program such as: - the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Education Program (ETNEP), or other ETNEP program whose educational domains include wound care management (advanced knowledge and clinical practice); or a registered nurse who has completed advanced knowledge programs including: -The University
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
10
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
publications, For those with ostomy or continence credentialing: Assessment of Stomal function, pouching system, stomal and peristomal skin status, and patient’s self-care and adaptation status, urinary or fecal incontinence. Has a clinical practice which is dedicated 50% or greater to wound care management; Recognizes the value of belonging to a professionally recognized wound care association which promotes the advancement of wound care
complexity of
client needs;
meets client
needs
regardless
of complexity
and
predictability;
analyzes and
interprets
unusual
client
responses;
and
evaluates
theoretical
and research-
based
approaches
for
application to
practice.
Functions as consultant in wound care
literature, making or recommending referrals to the appropriate interdisciplinary team members -Application of specialized knowledge and expertise which contributes to the care and educational support of those clients with draining wounds and fistulae, compression therapy where appropriate, at risk of compromised skin integrity, and of acute and chronic wounds
-Coordinates specialty care to reduce re-admission or duplication of services
wounds. Participants develop and practice knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to support and foster best practices in wound care, appreciate roles of interdisciplinary wound care team members, and obtain research skills that will facilitate critical appraisal of research literature and active participation in wound care research. -Wound Healing Research Unit , Cardiff: The aim of the course is to enable individuals to explore and analyse existing and developing theories and concepts that underpin wound healing and tissue repair facilitating professional and personal growth, building upon the individual's wide range of educational and vocational experience and developing
of Western Ontario Masters of Clinical Science in Wound Healing http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/pt/programs/mclsc/wound_healing.html -The University of Toronto / CAWC International Interdisciplinary Wound Care Course (IIWCC) PLUS a mentorship/ preceptorship such as through the RNAO Advanced Practice Clinical Fellowship (APCF) or -University of Toronto Masters of Science of Community
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
11
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
practice, education, research and management,
their ability to become life-long learners.
– Uof T-MScCH: Wound Prevention and Care (WPC) Training for clinicians to convey new approaches effectively to their colleagues and students. Health practitioners who graduate from the program will have enhanced their professional leadership and teaching skills with a comprehensive understanding of public health, and their specific specialty areas. The program emphasizes critical, analytic, interpretive and scholarly skills. Furthermore, this program will help develop professional models for improved interprofessional team practice and education spanning clinical, community and public health.
Health in Wound Healing, http://www.phs.utoronto.ca/MScC
H_WPC.asp or -The Masters of Science in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, Cardiff, Wales, http://www.whru.co.uk/ or is a -Master’s prepared Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) who has received formal education in skin and wound care.
South West Regional Wound Care Toolkit
SWRWC Toolkit: A. 2.1_Levels of Wound Care Expertise_July_12_2011
12
Knowledge* Standard of Practice*
Professional Autonomy *
Coping with complexity*
Perception of context*
Components of wound care knowledge to achieve this level*
Academic education to achieve this level*
i Benner, P. (2004). Using the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition to describe and interpret skill acquisition and clinical judgment in nursing practice and education. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society. 24(3): 188-199. ii Dreyfus, Stuart E.; Dreyfus, Hubert L. (February 1980). A Five-Stage Model of the Mental Activities Involved in Directed Skill Acquisition. Washington, DC: Storming Media.
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA084551&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf. Accessed Jan 5, 2011 iii http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition
iv Nu602 Unit2 Assignment Patricia Benner - Presentation Transcript http://www.slideshare.net/PaulRoppFL/nu602-unit2-assignment-patricia-benner Accessed Dec 2, 2010.
From Benner,P. (1984) From Novice To Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison-Wesley Publishers, Menlo Park California. v Adapted from material created by Orsted, H. RN, ET MSc. Community Health Services (CRHA), Calgary, AL, SWAT Team Educational Program, 2000. Used with permission.
Appropriate credit or citation must appear on all copied materials as follows:
Harris, C., Forget, G., Sidhu, K., Carter, A., Ross, M., Rawn, A., White, L., Martins, L., Labate, T., Sondhi, J., Chawla, P., & Houghton, P. (2011). South West Regional Wound Care Framework Initiative: Toolkit. SWLHIN/SWCCAC: London ON.